Full Accessory Power Active: How To Maximize Your Car's Electrical System

If you own a Ford vehicle, you may have noticed the message “Full Accessory Power Active” on your dashboard. This message can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the term “accessory power.” Essentially, this feature allows you to use electronic components like the radio, power outlets, and infotainment system even when the engine isn’t running.

Full Accessory Power Active (FAP) is a notification that appears on your dashboard when you have enough charge in your vehicle’s battery to use this feature without losing electrical power. While this feature can be immensely convenient, it’s important to remember that it can drain your car’s battery if used excessively. In this guide, we’ll explain what Full Accessory Power Active means, potential causes for encountering this message, and troubleshooting steps for Ford owners and technicians.

Demystifying “Full Accessory Power Active”

If you own a Ford car, you might have come across the message “Full Accessory Power Active” on your dashboard. This message indicates that the vehicle’s electrical system is supplying power to all accessory components. It essentially means the car is in a state where certain features are functional without the engine being on.

When Full Accessory Power Active is engaged, the car’s battery provides power to features such as the radio, air conditioning, and power windows. This feature is convenient and can be useful in certain situations, such as when you want to listen to the radio or charge your phone without the engine running.

However, it’s important to note that using Full Accessory Power Active for an extended period of time can drain your car’s battery. If your battery is already low, using this feature can cause your car to not start. In some cases, you might even see the message “Full Accessory Power Active Car Won’t Start” on your dashboard.

If you encounter this message, it’s best to turn off all accessories and try starting the car again. If the message persists, you might need to jump-start your car or replace the battery.

It’s worth noting that Full Accessory Power Active is not exclusive to Ford cars. Other car manufacturers might have a similar feature with a different name. For example, some Honda cars have a feature called “Accessory Mode,” which allows you to use certain features without the engine running.

Why Does My Ford Display “Full Accessory Power Active”?

If you own a Ford vehicle, you may have noticed the message “Full Accessory Power Active” on your dashboard display. This message can be confusing, but it is actually a feature designed to help you conserve battery life and use your vehicle’s electrical systems efficiently. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at why this message appears and what it means for you.

Intended Functionality

The “Full Accessory Power Active” message is intended to alert you that your vehicle’s accessory power is on. This means that you have turned the key to the “accessory” position without starting the engine. In this mode, you can use your vehicle’s electrical systems, such as the radio, charging ports, and infotainment system, for a limited time. This feature is designed to allow you to use these systems without draining your battery too quickly.

Most Fords with this feature also have a timer that automatically shuts off the accessory power after a pre-set period, typically 30 minutes. This helps to conserve battery life and prevent your vehicle’s battery from draining too quickly.

Unintended Activation

While the “Full Accessory Power Active” message is intended to be helpful, it can also be triggered by unintended actions. Here are some common reasons why this message might appear when you don’t expect it:

Door Ajar: Leaving a door open can trigger the “Full Accessory Power Active” message as a courtesy reminder to turn off electronics before exiting the vehicle.
Faulty Door Switch: A malfunctioning door ajar switch can send a false signal, causing the message to appear even when all doors are closed.
Key Fob Issues: A key fob malfunction or accidentally pressing a button can keep the vehicle in accessory mode, leading to this notification.

If you encounter any of these issues, it’s best to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for assistance. By understanding how the “Full Accessory Power Active” feature works, you can make the most of your vehicle’s electrical systems and conserve your battery life.

Troubleshooting “Full Accessory Power Active”

If you are experiencing issues with your Ford vehicle displaying the message “Full Accessory Power Active” and not starting, there are a few basic checks you can perform before seeking professional help.

Basic Checks

First, ensure that all doors and the trunk/liftgate are firmly closed. This message can appear if any of these are not fully closed, causing the vehicle to remain in accessory mode.

Next, verify that the key fob is not left inside the vehicle unintentionally, which can also keep it in accessory mode. Check your pockets or purse to ensure that the key fob is not with you.

Consult Owner’s Manual

If the basic checks do not resolve the issue, refer to your specific Ford model’s manual for the designated time limit for accessory power and any reset procedures. The manual can provide specific instructions on how to turn off full accessory power active and reset the system.

Seeking Professional Help

If the message persists after basic checks and consulting the owner’s manual, it is recommended to consult a qualified technician for diagnosis. They can identify potential electrical issues or faulty door switches that may be causing the problem.

It is important to address this issue as soon as possible, as leaving the vehicle in accessory mode can drain the battery and cause further problems.

Preventing the “Full Accessory Power Active” Message

If you’ve ever encountered the “Full Accessory Power Active” message on your Ford vehicle, you know how frustrating it can be. This message typically appears when your car battery is low or when there is an electrical issue that is preventing your car from starting. In this section, we’ll explore some tips to help you prevent this message from appearing.

Develop Awareness

One of the best ways to prevent the “Full Accessory Power Active” message is to develop awareness of the accessory power function and its limitations. This means being mindful of the electronics you have turned on and ensuring that all doors are closed before exiting the vehicle. When you leave the radio or other electronics on, it can quickly drain the battery and cause the message to appear.

Regular Maintenance

Another important step in preventing the “Full Accessory Power Active” message is to schedule routine maintenance checks to address any potential electrical gremlins that might trigger the message. Regular maintenance can help ensure that your battery is in good condition and that all electrical systems are working correctly. This can help prevent the message from appearing and ensure that your car starts every time you turn the key.

Conclusion

In summary, Full Accessory Power Active (FAP) is a vehicle feature that allows your car to remain powered after the ignition is turned off. This feature can be convenient, but it can also drain your car’s battery if not used properly. It is important to turn off unused accessories when FAP is active, as this allows you to limit the battery’s charge usage.

If you have a Ford F150 or Ford Fusion and are experiencing issues with your car not starting due to Full Accessory Power Active, there are a few things you can try. First, check the battery level regularly and turn off the FAP feature if you notice the charge level dropping. Additionally, make sure all accessories are turned off when the FAP feature is active to avoid unnecessary battery drain.

If these troubleshooting steps do not work, seeking professional help from a qualified technician is recommended. They will be able to diagnose any underlying issues and provide the necessary repairs.

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Demystifying “Full Accessory Power Active”